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Doug Besterman

Also Credited As: Douglas Besterman
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BIO

DOUG BESTERMAN is a three-time Tony Award winning musician with a career spanning across theatre, film, television and recording. As a Composer, Producer, Arranger, and Orchestrator, he has been privileged to work with some of the most recognizable names in the industry, including composers Mel Brooks, Alan Menken, and Marc Shaiman; recording artists Barbra Streisand and Barry Manilow; and directors Rob Marshall and Susan Stroman.


A veteran of 25+ Broadway shows, Besterman won the Best Orchestrations Tony Award® for Fosse, The Producers, and Thoroughly Modern Millie, and was nominated for The Music Man (2000), How to Succeed in Business, and Bullets over Broadway. He was also awarded the Drama Desk Award for The Producers and Thoroughly Modern Millie. His most recent Broadway credits include Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, A Bronx Tale, and Anastasia.

Besterman has also written orchestrations for 20+ film and television projects; including recent film work on Mary Poppins Returns, Aladdin (2019), Beauty and the Beast (2017) and Frozen; and American Housewife, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, and Galavant for television.

As a composer, Besterman penned the scores for the podcast musical Little Did I Know (with lyricists Dean Pitchford and Marcy Heisler), currently available for download on Apple Podcasts; The Big One-Oh (with lyricist Dean Pitchford), which recently premiered at The Atlantic For Kids in NYC, and is available for licensing through Music Theater International (MTI); and the vignette “Swelling and Irritation” (with lyricist Sharon Vaughn) from the musical Breathe, also to be licensed by MTI - concept album to be released by Sony. His music has also been recorded by singer Christian Bautista, heard in the films The Punisher, Out of Step and Exit Speed, television shows Summerland and One Life To Live, in concert with the United States Military Academy Concert Band, and in the musical revue Hats.

He is a proud father, husband, and sommelier. When not in New York or Los Angeles working, Doug is an avid traveler. Follow his latest adventures at @DougBesterman.

Productions

 
[Broadway, 2026]
Orchestrations
 
[US Tour, 2025]
Orchestrator
 
[Broadway, 2025]
Orchestrator
 
[Broadway, 2025]
Orchestrations
 
[Broadway, 2024]
Orchestrations
 
[US Tour, 2024]
Orchestrator
 
[US Tour, 2022]
Orchestrations
 
[US Tour, 2021] [Replacement]
Orchestrations[Replacement]
 
[Regional (US), 2019]
Orchestrator
 
[US Tour, 2018] [Replacement]
Orchestrations[Replacement]
 
[US Tour, 2018] Cancelled [Replacement]
Orchestrations[Replacement]
 
[US Tour, 2018] [Replacement]
Orchestrations[Replacement]
 
[Milburn, NJ (Regional), 2018]
Orchestrator
 
[Milburn, NJ (Regional), 2017]
Orchestrations
 
[West End, 2017] [Replacement]
Orchestrations[Replacement]
 
[Broadway, 2017]
Orchestrator
 
[Broadway, 2017]
Orchestrator
 
[Broadway, 2016]
Orchestrator
 
[Regional (US), 2016]
Orchestrator
 
[Broadway, 2015] [Replacement]
Orchestrator[Replacement]
 
[Broadway, 2014]
Orchestrator
 
[Broadway, 2014]
Orchestrations
 
[West End, 2013]
Orchestrator
 
[Off-Broadway, 2013]
Choreographer
 
[Broadway, 2013]
Orchestrator (Additional Orchestrations)
 
[Broadway, 2012]
Orchestrator
 
[Off-Broadway, 2012]
Movement Director
 
[Broadway, 2012]
Orchestrator (Additional Orchestrations)
 
[US Tour, 2012]
Orchestrations
 
[Off-Broadway, 2012]
Orchestrator
 
[Broadway, 2011]
Orchestrator
 
[Broadway, 2011]
Orchestrator (Additional Orchestrations)
 
[Broadway, 2011]
Orchestrator
 
[Broadway, 2010]
Orchestrator
 
[West End, 2009]
Orchestrator
 
[Houston, TX (Regional), 2008]
Orchestrator
 
[Broadway, 2007]
Orchestrator
 
[Broadway, 2006]
Orchestrator
 
[West End, 2005]
Orchestrator
 
[Broadway, 2004]
Orchestrator
 
[Broadway, 2002]
Orchestrator
 
[Broadway, 2001]
Orchestrator
 
[Broadway, 2000]
Orchestrator
 
[Broadway, 2000]
Orchestrator
 
[Broadway, 1997]
Orchestrator

Writing

Awards and Nominations


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2026 - Outstanding Orchestrations (Broadway or Off-Broadway)

Doug Besterman, Schmigadoon!

Tony Awards - 2026 - Best Orchestrations

Doug Besterman, Schmigadoon!

Drama Desk Awards - 2025 - Outstanding Orchestrations

Doug Besterman, BOOP! The Musical

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2025 - Outstanding Orchestrations (Broadway or Off-Broadway)

Doug Besterman, Death Becomes Her

Drama Desk Awards - 2017 - Outstanding Orchestrations

Doug Besterman, Anastasia

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2017 - Outstanding Orchestrations

Doug Besterman, Anastasia

Tony Awards - 2014 - Best Orchestrations

Doug Besterman, Bullets Over Broadway: The Musical

Tony Awards - 2011 - Best Orchestrations

Doug Besterman, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying

Drama Desk Awards - 2007 - Outstanding Orchestrations

Doug Besterman, Young Frankenstein


winner
Tony Awards - 2002 - Best Orchestrations

Doug Besterman, Thoroughly Modern Millie


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2001 - Outstanding Orchestrations

Doug Besterman, The Producers


winner
Tony Awards - 2001 - Best Orchestrations

Doug Besterman, The Producers


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2000 - Outstanding Orchestrations

Doug Besterman, The Music Man

Tony Awards - 2000 - Best Orchestrations

Doug Besterman, The Music Man

Videos

News


2026 Outer Critics Circle Awards Winners- RAGTIME and SCHMIGADOON! Lead the Pack
by Nicole Rosky - May 11, 2026

The Outer Critics Circle (OCC), the official organization of writers on New York theatre for out-of-town, national, and digital news publications, has just announced the winners of the 2026 Outer Critics Circle Awards. We have the full list.
SCHMIGADOON! Extends Broadway Run
by Stephi Wild - May 7, 2026

The 12-time Tony Award-nominated musical Schmigadoon! has extended its run on Broadway, due to demand. Learn more about the show and how to get tickets here!
2026 Tony Awards- The Nominees React
by Nicole Rosky - May 5, 2026

This year's nominees are checking in with BroadwayWorld to tell us all about how they got the news. Check back for live updates!
2026 Tony Nominations - Show by Show
by Nicole Rosky - May 5, 2026

The nominations are in! Below, check out how each show fared individually in a full list of nominations by show. Follow us on BroadwayWorld throughout the day, as we'll bring you Tony nominee reactions, exclusive reports, surprises, behind the scenes coverage and oh, so much more!
2026 Tony Nominations: THE LOST BOYS and SCHMIGADOON! Lead with 12 Each
by Nicole Rosky - May 5, 2026

BroadwayWorld's official Tony Awards coverage is here! Check out the 2026 Tony nominees here and follow us throughout the season for exclusive nominee interviews, special coverage and lots more!
Which Broadway Shows Have Received the Most Tony Nominations Ever?
by Nicole Rosky - May 4, 2026

Awards season has arrived! While many stellar productions are poised to earn multiple nominations this season, it will take quite a few to stand up to the current record holders. Do any of this season's shows stand a chance at making history? Below, check out which Broadway shows hold the records for the most-Tony nominated productions of all time.
Feature: Lots of Talent, Lots of Heart, Gone Too Soon, Remembering James Raitt
by Elliot Lanes - Apr 24, 2026

Tomorrow, April 25th, will mark the 32nd anniversary of the passing of vocal arranger, musical director, pianist, and musical genius James Raitt. He was only 41years old when AIDS took him from us far too soon. While James’ career was cut short, what he left us will always be a reminder of his many talents.
2026 Outer Critics Circle Awards Nominations- The Full List
by Stephi Wild - Apr 21, 2026

Isa Briones and Sepideh Moafi hosted the live announcement of the 2026 Outer Critics Circle Award Nominations. Check out the full list of nominations here!
Karylle Joins CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY
by Oliver Oliveros - Apr 13, 2026

Broadway International Group and Broadway Asia have confirmed that Filipino star Karylle will headline the Manila leg of 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' global tour when the show runs at the Theatre at Solaire in July 2026.
Bailee Endebrock, Jason Gotay and More to Lead EVER AFTER Musical at The Phoenix Theatre Company
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 7, 2026

The Phoenix Theatre Company will present Ever After, a new musical inspired by the beloved 1998 film starring Drew Barrymore, with performances from May 6 to June 14, 2026, in the new Dr. Stacie J. and Richard J Stephenson Theatre.
Interview: Theatre Life with Bill Sherman
by Elliot Lanes - Apr 1, 2026

Today’s subject Bill Sherman is currently living his theatre life as the Musical Supervisor, Orchestrator, and Arranger for Signature Theatre’s new musical Safety Not Guaranteed. The production plays through April 12th in Signature’s MAX space.
SCHMIGADOON! Will Invite Fans to Dress Rehearsal Ahead of First Preview
by Stephi Wild - Mar 31, 2026

Ahead of the first preview of Schmigadoon! on April 4, fans will have the opportunity to attend the show’s dress rehearsal on April 3 at 7:00 PM at the Nederlander Theatre. Learn more about how to attend the show here!
SCHMIGADOON! Launches Rush and Lottery Policies Ahead of Broadway Premiere
by Stephi Wild - Mar 24, 2026

Ahead of the production’s first preview on April 4, Schmigadoon! has announced rush and lottery policies. Find out how to get discount tickets to Schmigadoon! here!
BOOP! THE MUSICAL National Tour Holding Virtual Open Call For Title Role
by Michael Major - Mar 6, 2026

BOOP! The Musical is holding a virtual open call for its title role for the upcoming national tour. Director Jerry Mitchell took to social media to share information about the open call, sharing a link to submit.
Review: THE PRODUCERS - A MEL BROOKS MUSICAL at The Candlelight Theatre
by Rosanne DellAversano - Jan 20, 2026

What did our critic think of THE PRODUCERS - A MEL BROOKS MUSICAL at The Candlelight Theatre?
CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY to Make Manila Premiere This July
by Oliver Oliveros - Jan 7, 2026

The gates to the world's most famous chocolate factory are finally opening in Manila! 
Photos: Daniel Brocklebank and More in YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN at the Liverpool Playhouse
by Stephi Wild - Dec 3, 2025

All new production images have been released for the Christmas transfer of Hope Mill Theatre's production of Mel Brooks' YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN THE MUSICAL which has its first performance 3 December, at Liverpool Playhouse.
BOOP! THE MUSICAL North American Tour Will Open in Rochester in Fall 2026
by Stephi Wild - Nov 5, 2025

BOOP! The Musical will embark on a North American Tour, opening for its 50-week run in Rochester, NY at the West Herr Auditorium Theatre. Additional tour cities, dates, and casting for the North American Tour will be announced soon.
Daniel Brocklebank Will Lead YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN THE MUSICAL Liverpool Playhouse Transfer
by Stephi Wild - Oct 31, 2025

Coronation Street's Daniel Brocklebank will be taking over the role of Dr Frederick Frankstein in their production of Mel Brooks' YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN THE MUSICAL when it transfers to Liverpool Playhouse for a limited 5-week run.
Video: Mel Brooks’ YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN THE MUSICAL Opens At Hope Mill Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 30, 2025

Hope Mill Theatre in Manchester celebrates its 10th anniversary with Mel Brooks’ YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN THE MUSICAL, starring Ore Oduba. Check out video highlights of the production.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows has Doug Besterman written?

Doug Besterman has written 1 shows including The Big One-Oh! (Music).

What awards has Doug Besterman been nominated for?

Outstanding Orchestrations (Broadway or Off-Broadway) (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Schmigadoon!, Best Orchestrations (Tony Awards) for Schmigadoon!, Outstanding Orchestrations (Drama Desk Awards) for BOOP! The Musical, Outstanding Orchestrations (Broadway or Off-Broadway) (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Death Becomes Her, Outstanding Orchestrations (Drama Desk Awards) for Anastasia, Outstanding Orchestrations (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Anastasia, Best Orchestrations (Tony Awards) for Bullets Over Broadway: The Musical, Best Orchestrations (Tony Awards) for How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Outstanding Orchestrations (Drama Desk Awards) for Young Frankenstein, Best Orchestrations (Tony Awards) for Thoroughly Modern Millie, Outstanding Orchestrations (Drama Desk Awards) for The Producers, Best Orchestrations (Tony Awards) for The Producers, Outstanding Orchestrations (Drama Desk Awards) for The Music Man and Best Orchestrations (Tony Awards) for The Music Man.

What awards has Doug Besterman won?

Best Orchestrations (Tony Awards) for Thoroughly Modern Millie; Outstanding Orchestrations (Drama Desk Awards) for The Producers; Best Orchestrations (Tony Awards) for The Producers; Outstanding Orchestrations (Drama Desk Awards) for The Music Man.

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Videos


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